First Day Hikes: Self-Guided Activities

Start the New Year off with a resolution to spend more time outside enjoying nature!

Bring your family and pets (on a leash) to participate in an annual tradition: spending time outdoors on the first day of the New Year!

Stop by park headquarters between 9 am and 4 pm to sign in, pick up a map, and learn more about First Day activities. Then before you leave, come by park headquarters report your mileage, and what you did, and receive an official First Day Hike sticker while supplies last.

Suggestions:

Scavenger Hunts - Test your observation skills. Challenge your buddies to see who is the first to find all the items on the list.  Pick up one of our scavenger hunt lists at park headquarters.

Self-Guided Nature Journaling Prompts - Slowing down to enjoy your surroundings has been proven to improve mood and overall health. Use these prompts on your hikes to start a nature journal or just get more connected to nature (journals NOT provided).

Bird Watching - Bring your binoculars, grab a Goose Island State Park Bird List, log onto eBird, and see how many birds you can find! 

"Easy" Hike: Enjoy a stroll on the 1620ft fishing pier. Walking to the end and back measures about 0.66 miles.

"Moderate" Hike: Walk along Turks Cap Trail (0.66 miles). You can make this hike 1 mile by continuing your walk along Warbler Way. Enjoy interpretive plant IDs along the trail.

"Challenging" Hike: Start at the Day Use Picnic Area and walk along Redfish Road and Trout Street to the end of the pier and back. This measures about 2 miles.

You choose your adventure - Combine several activities and trails together to make your adventure as long or as challenging as you want.

Accessibility: For questions on accessibility, email sara.rock@tpwd.texas.gov
Note on Pets: Leashed pets are welcome in State Parks. However, pets are not permitted in any of the public buildings (HQ, restrooms, CCC Recreation Hall, etc.)

*Don't forget to sign-in at park headquarters and pick up your official First Day sticker before you leave.*

FYI:

• Children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.
• Program is free with park entrance ($5/person, children 12 & under are free) or Texas State Parks Annual Pass.
• Groups larger than eight please contact Sara Rock for a private event.